Radio silence and other news

So, please forgive me for the hiatus. For those of you that are unware, November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short), and the goal of this free program is to inspire writers to produce a 50,000 word manuscript in 30 days. I participated in this event for the first time last year and was quite pleased with the result. The rough story for Light’s Guide was written in 22 days. The revisions took longer than normal but to me, the work produced a better story.

So, I met this goal on November 23, 2016 but, this year the story was not told. I wanted to go out in style this month. So, I finished the book 5 manuscript on the 27th. Maeseloria: Shadow’s Journey is ready for revisions–at 55,000 words. With that being said, I decided it was time to pull my head out of the shadows and say hello.

My November was a busy month. I had my first author event ever and my first book signing. Both events were an amazing experience and my warmest thank you to anyone who stopped out to purchase a book or just for a chat. And to the lovely person who brought me coffee at my book signing, you are a goddess. Lastly, a sincere thank you to Denise at Gathering Volumes for being such a huge support and allowing me to have my signing in your shop. To my fellow bloggers and authors, if you have an indy book shop in your area–support them. Shop in their store. They will be your biggest advocate.

The events were nerve wracking but I learned a lot. I managed to learn how to talk to people about my book without stammering and blushing. There’s room for improvement but I learned. I also realized how many dear friends came out to see me–one of whom I had not seen in a number of years. Here are some pictures from both events:

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving holiday and are looking as forward to Christmas as I am. Christmas is my holiday at our house. The good will of the season is a huge deal to me. I try to do right by people at all times—even when I have been wronged by them—but at Christmas time it always seems that much more important. I had that kind of wonder as a child and I do not know if I have ever really let it go. There’s something magical about the season to me. What is your favorite part about the Christmas holiday? Or are you a Grinch?

The two songs listed above kind of emphasize that wonder for me. I love TSO in general but Christmas Eve and Other Stories has to be my favorite album of theirs. Promises to Keep highlights that childlike wonder that, for me, comes with the season. . The second song I heard at a time in my life when I was struggling, or maybe transitioning might be a better word. I was looking for me and, for that reason, the song will always remain special to me. It struck a nerve. So, with that being said, I have a gift for you. A short synopsis from Maeseloria: Shadows Journey:

Peace in service to the Light…

Peace was an illusion, Jaylor Vincenzo thought. In his line of work, peace was harder to maintain than war. With the wars end, the political structure of Maeseloria was tenuous at best. Factions birthed in the South would be problematic. Could he protect them all? He served his Queen as her shadow, her brother and her friend. The fate of the realm was often decided at dagger point and his hand. Was this all Fate would ever require him to be?

Where was his peace?

He stood between Light and Shadow. His duty was eternal. Would he ever have more?

For those subscribed to the Maeseloria Monthly, the newsletter will be back January 1, 2017. I look forward to sharing more of The Guardian’s Fall. Until then, stay tuned readers. The Figment weekly writing prompts will return this Thursday. Let’s see what our hostess can throw at us, shall we?

I am trouble, but in a controlled chaotic sort of way. I am the epitome of the boy who wouldn’t grow up. My favorite memory of Christmas is when my mom would break out the Christmas albums and play music. My favorite was “a Disney Christmas” and the song was “The first Noel” which to the best of my memory was performed by the most nasally sounding child I had ever heard. But for some reason, it sent chills down my spine, even today when I listen to it. Nowadays, my greatest joy is watching them every morning try to find their elf on a shelf, and the joy of opening their presents and seeing that toy they thought I could never afford to give them. It’s the reason a break my neck at work reaching for as many hours I can get, and it’s worth it.